Japan announces that China will lift its ban on Japanese seafood imports, imposed in 2023 due to concerns over the Fukushima wastewater release. Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi hailed the agreement, reached after talks in Beijing, as a major milestone. While a ban on products from 10 prefectures remains, Japan sees this as a crucial step in resolving broader bilateral issues.
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South Africa's communications minister refuted the claims that a draft policy easing Black ownership requirements for tech firms was designed to favor Elon Musk's Starlink. Minister Solly Malatsi defended the directive before Parliament, denying it was specifically for Starlink, despite Musk's criticism of the ownership laws. The policy aims to boost competition by allowing more operators into the market.
Iran executed Pedram Madani for allegedly spying for Mossad. Madani was convicted of transmitting classified information and meeting Mossad officers. He was also accused of traveling to Israel and acquiring illicit wealth. This execution follows similar cases of individuals accused of collaborating with Israel. Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high amid ongoing regional conflicts. Iran accuses Israel of covert operations within its borders.
Burundi's parliamentary elections are underway, shadowed by concerns over fairness. The ruling CNDD-FDD party is heavily favored after the main opposition, CNL, faced significant obstacles, including the suspension and barring of its leader, Agathon Rwasa. Amidst a deep socio-economic crisis marked by shortages and high inflation, other candidates report harassment.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned India's decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance, calling it a "weaponisation of water." Addressing an international conference in Dushanbe, Sharif warned that Pakistan would not permit India to endanger millions of lives for political purposes by violating the treaty.
Prime minister Nawaf Salam said on Thursday that the Lebanese army had dismantled "more than 500 military positions and arms depots" belonging to Hezbollah in the south of the country. "The Lebanese army is continuing its deployment and has so far dismantled more than 500 military positions and arms depots south of the Litani river" about 30 kilometres from the Israeli border.
A massive landslide hit a village in the southern Switzerland. The incident occurred after the Birch glacier collapsed. A man is missing after the disaster. The landslide largely destroyed Blatten village. Authorities have launched a search operation. Climate change is likely the cause of the glacier collapse. Concerns are rising about the blocked Lonza River. Authorities are monitoring the situation.
In Mexico's Michoacan state, a devastating explosion ripped through a military armored vehicle, resulting in the death of six soldiers and injuries to two others. The incident, attributed to an explosive device, occurred in a region plagued by drug cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of criminal activity in the country.
FEMA's new head, David Richardson, sparked controversy by seemingly unaware of the US hurricane season during a staff briefing, raising concerns about the agency's readiness. Despite a Homeland Security spokesperson claiming it was a joke and affirming preparedness, the remark, coupled with staff departures and reduced preparations, drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders.
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth cautioned that China is actively preparing to use military force to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, posing a real and imminent threat. He highlighted concerns about a potential invasion of Taiwan by 2027 and China's growing presence in Latin America, urging allies to increase defence spending and be wary of Chinese economic entanglements.
Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano in Sicily, Italy, poses ongoing threats despite its 'basic' alert level. This stratovolcano, monitored by INGV, experiences frequent eruptions and gas emissions. While lava flows threaten nearby areas, research indicates a slow slide towards the Ionian Sea, potentially triggering tsunamis.